The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is supposed to mark the end of the high school career for many elite players.

But for Absecon (N.J.) linebacker Anthony Sarao, the event may have also provided a new beginning.

After chatting with USC linebackers coach Joe Barry in San Antonio, Sarao heard enough to schedule a visit to USC this weekend. The Stanford commitment joins a star-studded list of recruits heading to campus.

"He was telling me about his background and about USC," Sarao said. "He said they were really interested in me. They're looking for fast and nasty linebackers, and that's what I am."

Sarao remains committed to Stanford at this point, but he eagerly awaits to see how the coaching situation pans out.

"I'm still committed to Stanford. I just haven't had any contact," Sarao said. "They sent me an e-mail when Harbaugh went to the 49ers about what the rest of the coaching staff is doing.

"I was cool with Harbaugh leaving, because I figured everything would still be straight and Stanford's still a great school. But if the whole coaching staff leaves, things can start to get really ugly there."

Barry didn't have to pitch USC hard to get Sarao's attention.

"I was interested in what he had to say," Sarao said. "I always thought USC was a really good school. I didn't have a chance to talk to the coaches until I was committed. They have a good mix of academics and athletics and I like the coaches."

Sarao also mingled with a number of players at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Though he already knew several players on the East, he had the chance to meet a couple of USC recruits and chat throughout the week.

"I was kicking it with George Farmer and De'Anthony Thomas," Sarao said. "They didn't talk about USC, we were just kicking it."

The game itself proved to be a beneficial experience for Sarao.

"Everything was perfect there," Sarao said. "I played very well, I thought. I think I played the most minutes of anyone since I started on special teams and defense."

USCfootball.com will keep you updated on Sarao's visit and recruitment.